What Does A PCOS Belly Look Like?
What does a PCOS belly look like? A PCOS belly looks like a pot belly and is made up of visceral fat or intra-abdominal belly fat, located deep around organs behind the abdominal wall. This type of fat is hard and can’t be pinched and sometimes called deep visceral fat. The fat is located in the abdominal area and lower abdomen. You may have a polycystic ovarian syndrome belly if your waist measurements are greater than your hip measurements. The normal waist circumference for adult women should be no more than 35 inches, anything more than that may be considered abnormal. A PCOS belly occurs as a result of, hormonal imbalances associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS. Luckily there are ways to reduce or eliminate this troublesome problem.
What Is PCOS?
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is usually diagnosed in women with abnormally high androgen hormonals levels Women with PCOS may have infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods or excess male hormone (androgen) levels. Abnormally Large ovaries can characterize PCOS with small cysts on the outer areas. However, not all who have PCOS have ovarian cysts. Additionally, PCOS is a sure sign of a hormonal imbalance. However, the cause of polycystic ovary syndrome is not well understood. PCOS can lead to infertility.
Symptoms Of PCOS
Symptoms of PCOS there are many symptoms of PCOS, including hirsutism. Although the cause, may be due to genetic, environmental factors, high levels of insulin, and consistent low-grade body inflammation can be present.
- Abnormal body/face hair, on the chest, stomach, and back, and face (hirsutism)
- baldness male pattern or thinning hair
- Weight gain, usually in the belly area (abdomen)
- Infertility
- Abnormal, irregular periods, missed periods, or light or heavy periods
- Ovarian cysts, abnormally large ovaries
- Lower Abdominal cramping especially during menstruation.
- Acne, or oily skin
Can Signs Of PCOS Show Up On The Face And Body?
Unwanted Hair Growth
Pcos can present itself by an increase in hirsutism, thick coarse facial or body hair growth. The high androgen hormonal levels can increase the thickness and amount of body and hair growth.
Acne
Women with PCOS may have acne. This is due to the ovaries producing more androgen hormones than needed causing oily skin. Acne can be found on the face, back, neck, and chest.
Weight gain
PCOS can cause weight gain especially around the midsection due to the Imbalance of hormones called androgens, and high insulin levels.
How To Decrease Visible PCOS Signs
Following a diet with a low glycemic index, or a PCOS diet with herbs that are scientifically proven to balance androgen levels. This can aid in increasing visible signs of PCOS. There are medications that can decrease the visible effects of pcos as well. Check with your doctor for medication options.
What’s The Difference Between Visceral And Subcutaneous Belly Fat?
Visceral fat is located around your abdominal organs and is deep inside your body, or the abdominal wall. You can’t always feel it or see it. A bulging hard belly can be a sign of a pcos belly.
Subcutaneous fat is stored just beneath the skin and can be pinched. This kind of belly fat is located just beneath the skin. This kind of belly fat can be pinched, poked and jiggle’s.
How Do I Know If I Have PCOS?
There is no specific test to diagnose PCOS. Your doctor may look at your menstrual history, genetics, family history, dietary habits and lifestyle. Irregular periods by your doctor can help diagnose PCOS. In Addition, your doctor can diagnose Polycystic ovaries on a pelvic ultrasound. Also, a blood test can diagnose signs of high androgen levels that can mean you may have PCOS.
Unsure If You Might Have PCOS? Take The Quiz
Complications Of PCOS
There are a number of complications from having PCOS. They include:
Gestational Diabetes
Infertility
Metabolic Deficits
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Acne
Type 2 Diabetes
Increased Risk of A Miscarriage
Uterine Bleeding
Irregular menstruations
Endometrial or Uterine Cancer
Conventional PCOS Treatments
Conventional treatments for PCOS can aid in regulating your menstrual cycle. Your doctor might recommend birth control pills, medications like metformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone, progesterone, or other hormonal therapy that can aid in regulating your period. These treatments may help to regulate your period and lessen the severity of excessive bleeding during your period. Insulin-sensitizing agents, oral contraceptives, spironolactone, and topical eflornithine can be used in patients with hirsutism.
What Can Contribute To A PCOS Belly?
Increased abdominal fat can be associated with insulin resistance and high cardiovascular risk. In addition, those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can present with abdominal obesity. Also, this can cause insulin resistance and affect the way the body processes and stores insulin. Increasing your metabolism, and decreasing your low-grade bodily inflammation are excellent ways to help rid yourself of a PCOS belly. They will not completely rid yourself of your PCOS belly, and are just a few pieces of the puzzle.
Insulin Resistance:
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the bodies cells ( muscle, fat, and liver) do not respond as it should to insulin. Insulin is a hormone your pancreas makes that’s essential for regulating blood sugar levels. Women with PCOS are often insulin resistant; their bodies can make insulin but can’t use it effectively, increasing their risk for type 2 diabetes. In addition, that extra insulin that is not used, can promote fat storage, increase hunger and high insulin levels ( insulin resistance ). Furthermore, this can lead to a PCOS belly and weight gain.
Metabolism Defects:
A Slower metabolic rate can mean an increase in weight gain, as women with PCOS can experience weight gain. This weight gain can be associated with increased food cravings, emotional eating, and hormonal imbalances. Luckily we can help control these with a proper diet, exercise, and lose body fat fast.
Consistent Low-Grade Inflammation
Low-grade inflammation causes the body’s white blood cells to release compounds to discourage inflammation. Researchers recently discovered those with PCOS have a multitude of low-grade inflammation that can cause an increase in androgen levels in the body. Following a PCOS diet high in omega 3 and anti-inflammatory foods is beneficial in decreasing your levels of low-grade inflammation overall.
Hormonal Imbalances:
People With PCOS ( polycystic ovary syndrome ) Often Have Hormonal Imbalances In These areas;
- Estrogen.
- Androgens (like testosterone and androstenedione)
- Progesterone.
Balancing these hormones is essential to reducing abdominal fat. Luckily, diet and exercise can aid in your fight against your PCOS abdominal fat.
Androgens
Hormones called androgens effect women with PCOS. Men normally have higher levels than women, but those with PCOS have higher levels than most women. These hormones include, testosterone, or the more potent DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Normally, women also have these hormones but their levels of these androgens are lower. High testosterone in women with PCOS can contribute to hirsutism.
Progesterone And Estrogen
Women with PCOS are known to have low levels of progesterone. This can cause your estrogen levels to rise causing symptoms like breast tenderness, low libido, weight gain, and hot flashes.
Hormonal Balancing Simple Herbs
Here is a list of some simple herbs to balance your body’s hormones and aid in getting rid of your PCOS belly. Often, balancing hormones can aid in weight loss around the midsection.
- Spearmint is known to decrease testosterone and balance out androgen levels in those with PCOS. Spearmint and mint can also aid in reducing body weight, improving ovulation, and decreasing ovarian cysts.
- Green Tea can aid in balancing estrogen levels in the body and helping in weight loss.
- Maca Root can help to balance hormones and lower cortisol levels.
- Thyme has been known to increase low progesterone levels and aid in balancing progesterone in those with PCOS.
The Best Diet For PCOS.
Following a diet low in saturated fats, oils, and sugars are essential to reducing weight gain around the midsection. Following a PCOS diet food list may benefit you. A PCOS diet food list can help reduce androgens, balance blood sugar levels, and aid in weight loss and hormonal balance. A PCOS diet consists of a low glycemic index diet, with herbs to balance androgen levels. But it is not the only technique you should follow when riding yourself of your PCOS belly.
An Exercise Program For The PCOS Belly
An exercise program of moderate intensity, including cardio 3-5 x a week for 30-45 minutes a day, can decrease insulin levels and overall body fat. It’s essential to remember sit-ups and crunches will strengthen the abdominals but will not generally get rid of a PCOS belly by themselves. Abdominal exercises are helpful in core strength but will not burn a significant amount of fat on your abdomen. Therefore, adopting a whole-body approach is beneficial when looking at belly fat and getting rid of your PCOS belly.
Some Good Core Strength Training Exercises Include:
Beginner:
Pelvic tilts
Bridges
Mini crunches
Mini squats
Clamshells
Ball Squats
Advanced:
Planks
Sumo squats
Crunches
Planks
Side bridge
Air Cycling
PCOS And Gut Health
Many who have PCOS also have high amounts of unhealthy gut bacteria. This gut bacteria can cause bloating abdominal discomfort. It has been suggested that thinner people have healthy gut bacteria. Taking a good quality probiotic and following a PCOS can help you reduce your belly fat. Opt for a shelf stable probiotic with 10-16 strands of bacteria. A PCOS diet containing quality foods may also aide in improving gut health.
Metabolism Boosting And Appetite Suppressing Foods
These foods can help you boost up your metabolism and decrease your appetite while helping you to loose weight and feel satisfied.
1. Chili Peppers
Chili Peppers, can aid in speeding up your metabolism thanks to capsaicin. This can aide in decreasing your PCOS belly. so, if your thinking, what does a PCOS belly look like?, you may not have to worry anymore. Capsaicin works by increasing oxygen levels and body temperature, which helps to increase the calories you burn.
2. Bone Broth
Bone Broth can help you suppress your appetite. Consuming a cup of can help you feel fuller longer. Helping you to consume less calorie and aide in weight loss. Babs Bonebroth is great for beginners and has a mild flavor, but still packs a appetite suppressing punch and high protein content.
3. Green Tea
Weight loss Studies suggest that green tea extract may help boost metabolism and burn
fat. Making this beverage an excellent addition to a morning weight loss morning routine. Ceremonial grade matcha green tea is high in antioxidants and helps to aid as a appetite suppressor. To get the full benefits of this tea you want to make sure you choose an option that streams the leaves during process to prevent oxidation of the nutrients in the tea. , is a good option and packed full of antioxidants. I like the fact it comes in a container not a bag, so I don’t have to mess with a cloud of tea rising up when i close the bag.
4. Coffee And Tea
Consuming coffee and green Tea can influence stomach emptying, decrease appetite hormones, and decrease feelings of hunger.
5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is a common spice used in baking. It can help lower your blood sugar levels. As a result, cinnamon might help the body use insulin more efficiently.
In Conclusion,
The answer to your question is, What does a PCOS belly look like? It can be different from one person to the next. It’s essential to follow a PCOS diet to help reduce symptoms of PCOS and follow appropriate cardio and strength training programs to reduce abdominal fat of the PCOS belly. In Addition, it’s essential to manage your blood sugar levels, balance your hormones and rev up your metabolism to beat the battle against the bulge. These tips and tricks can help you go from PCOS belly to beach body ready in no time. To learn more about a PCOS diet and view the complete PCOS food list.
